Geneva, Switzerland — Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, has urged the international community to impose targeted sanctions on President Yoweri Museveni, his son General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and senior Ugandan officials, accusing them of widespread human rights abuses and electoral misconduct.
The appeal came during a video address on February 18 at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy.
Speaking from an undisclosed location as he remains in hiding following Uganda’s January 15, 2026, presidential election, Bobi Wine said the international community must act against what he called systematic repression and denial of democratic freedoms in Uganda. The Electoral Commission declared Museveni the winner with 71.65% of the vote, a result Bobi Wine has rejected as fraudulent.
“Sanction Museveni, sanction Muhoozi, sanction all the police and military officers responsible for gross human rights violations,” Wine said, calling for financial, legal, and travel sanctions against those he accused of overseeing abuses. The sanctions, he argued, should extend to officials who “normalise election fraud” and obstruct justice.
Wine has been in hiding for several weeks, alleging threats to his life after security forces reportedly laid siege to his home in Magere, Wakiso District and pursued him following the election. He also said his wife and children fled Uganda for safety due to fear of reprisal.
In response to the call for sanctions, State House Press Secretary Sandor Walusimbi dismissed the appeal as “irresponsible and counterproductive,” insisting Uganda’s post-election environment remains stable and functional. He said calls for sanctions and withdrawal of aid undermine the country’s sovereignty and peace.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba also responded aggressively on social media, mocking Bobi Wine’s appearance and vowing to dismantle the National Unity Platform (NUP) and clamp down on media outlets he accused of supporting what he described as an unlawful political campaign.
His posts reflected the heightened tensions between the ruling establishment and the opposition.
The dispute over the election outcome has drawn international attention, with several observers and rights groups highlighting concerns about intimidation, restricted civic space and alleged violations during the voting and post-election period.
As calls for sanctions grow louder, Uganda’s political climate remains deeply polarized, with both government and opposition supporters watching closely for how the global community will respond to Bobi Wine’s appeal.
